A new generation of digital technologies is pervading every aspect of our daily lives: artificial intelligence is transforming the way we work; Big Data processing is changing health, justice and public safety; Blockchain can secure transactions without intermediaries. These technologies not only transform the way we do things, but also the very nature of our activities. How can we ensure that they are implemented for the common good? What kind of society do we build with such tools? What revolutions are coming?

The OPTIC research network runs task forces in Berkeley, Stanford, Boston, Geneva and Paris: experts study the impact of these technologies on human activities and on our societies. This dialogue between specialists, researchers in humanities and key actors of the civil society allows for new perspectives.

On the occasion of the publication of its recent research work in France (see the topics of the white papers below), OPTIC is organizing at the Collège des Bernardins a conference of presentations and debates:

An introduction by Mr Mounir Mahjoubi,

a series of keynotes (see details below) by experts and personalities on the themes of trust, empathy, responsibility, and the ethical by design approach in innovation, in the perspective of the revolutions brought about by these disruptive technologies,

and a conversation between Ruth Porat and Reid Hoffman, moderated by Maurice Lévy.

It will be the first of a series of annual events to be held in Paris on the eve of the Davos World Economic Forum. In a dynamic and interactive way, this event will give voice to key players and the most enlightened observers.

The OPTIC network will thus provide a space for information and dialogue in order to identify each year the major technological developments and capture the weak signals of these societal changes.

More information to come soon. Contact : This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

3 workgroups will publish their papers:

Blockchain: transforming trustThis technology, currently known to support the Bitcoin virtual currency, makes it possible to keep unaltered records of commitments, documents and contracts. In the long term, it would make it possible to partially bypass the banking system, notaries and land registry, and offers many opportunities for sustainable development and support for displaced populations, but also presents strong systemic risks.

Health, big data and predictive medicineThe collection of health data to support a diagnostic experience is as old as the creation of the first hospitals. However, the mass of data processed and the new capabilities offered by artificial intelligence are now opening the way to predictive medicine and even selection. If the short-term benefits seem obvious, what are the impacts on patient freedom, physician responsibility, solidarity of insurance and health systems?

Algorithmic governance and regalian powerIn the digital space, algorithms are everywhere and increasingly present in the sphere of public action (school orientation, public health, etc.). In a deteriorated security context and in search of greater effectiveness as a guarantee of its authority, the temptation is great for the State to resort to such tools at the very heart of the sovereign sphere of Justice, Police or National Defence.

4 themes will be explored:

Trust:“In code we trust” could be the motto of the most fervent supporters of algorithmic governance and blockchain, eager to eliminate all intermediaries and regulate human activity. Is this orientation likely to erode the basic trust in human relationships, or can these technologies generate new forms of trust and social ties?

Empathy:Technologies can stimulate communication and the expression of emotions, but also can also encourage manipulation. In fields traditionally based on empathy, such as education, health, and social mediation, can mass data processing be an asset or an obstacle to mutual understanding?

Responsibility:In a context of social tensions, digital players are increasingly being asked to question their impact on social relations. At the same time, the drastic increase in the means of freedom of expression puts each and every individual in front of more personal responsibility. How can this mutual accountability be fostered?

Ethical by design:There is no neutral technology: their design carries a world view and underlies a social project. The scope and ethical stakes of technological innovation is therefore not just a layer to be added. How can it be part of the design from the beginning of the innovation process?